What’s changed in the capital and what’s worth your time this weekend

Good day, Abu Dhabi.

Here’s our Friday edition - the tightened version designed to help you decide, not scroll.

January is when the capital really settles into its stride. The weather finally allows for long outdoor evenings, cultural institutions are fully active, and the events calendar feels balanced rather than overwhelming. The best weekends now are built around one or two anchor plans, with plenty of space left to move at your own pace.

Friday’s role is simple: flag what’s changed in the city, then highlight the few experiences most worth planning around.

Let’s begin with the updates you should know before the weekend starts.

Lane diversions are currently in place on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road in Al Dhafra and will continue until January 22 as part of ongoing infrastructure works.

Why this matters for the weekend:

👉 See traffic update

Authorities have issued a warning about fraudulent domestic worker advertisements circulating online, advising residents to use only licensed recruitment agencies.

Why this matters:

👉 Read safety advisory

ADNOC has approved the final investment decision for the SARB deep gas project, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s long-term energy and industrial strategy.

Why this matters:

👉 See project details

Authorities have announced fines for barbecuing at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain as part of environmental protection and safety measures.

Why this matters:

👉 See fine details

Design Commission Abu Dhabi (DCAD) has been launched to support design-led industries and creative development across the emirate.

Why this matters:

👉 Learn more

With the city updates covered, let’s move to the weekend shortlist.

These are the five strongest anchors if you’re only planning a few things this weekend.

A timeless classical ballet with elegant choreography and broad family appeal.
👉 Book tickets

A minimalist, cinematic open-air concert designed for focused listening and atmosphere.
👉 Get tickets

Two global music icons share the stage in one of the capital’s biggest concerts of the season.
👉 See concert info

Elite equestrian competition featuring international riders and a refined spectator experience.
👉 View event details

A winter-themed family attraction with rides, games, festive décor, and food stalls.
👉 Plan your visit

A timeless fairytale presented through classical ballet, elegant costumes, and traditional choreography. Especially suitable for families and first-time ballet audiences.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 120+
👉 Book tickets

A dramatic classical ballet with expressive choreography and a full orchestral score. Best suited for teens and adults looking for a more intense theatrical experience.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 150+
👉 View performance details

A minimalist, cinematic open-air concert by one of the world’s most recognisable contemporary composers. Designed for focused listening rather than spectacle.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 250+
👉 Get tickets

Two global music icons share the stage in one of the capital’s biggest live music nights of the season, combining timeless hits with full-scale production.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 295+
👉 See concert info

A polished Russian pop concert featuring two high-profile artists, blending classic hits with contemporary pop production.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 200+
👉 Book seats

A celebratory live music event featuring popular Filipino artists and upbeat performances designed for a communal, high-energy crowd.

📅 Sat, 10 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 120+
👉 View concert details

An elite international showjumping competition featuring world-class riders, premium hospitality areas, and a refined spectator atmosphere.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
💰 Free entry (For General Admission, fills out quickly)
👉 View event details

A winter-themed family attraction featuring rides, games, festive décor, and food stalls. Designed for casual visits and repeat drop-ins.

📅 Ongoing
📍 Al Ain
💰 From AED 30+
👉 Plan your visit

A culturally rich equestrian performance celebrating Arabian horsemanship, heritage, and storytelling. Focuses on pageantry rather than competition.

📅 Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 From AED 150+
👉 See performance details

One of the capital’s most important global gatherings, bringing together leaders, innovators, and organisations focused on sustainability and clean energy. Public exhibitions and talks run alongside the conference programme.

📅 Sun, 11 Jan – Fri, 16 Jan
📍 Multiple venues across Abu Dhabi
💰 Free & ticketed sessions (varies)
👉 Explore ADSW

An immersive contemporary exhibition blending art, storytelling, and multimedia elements. Designed for audiences interested in modern creative expression.

📅 Ongoing
📍 Abu Dhabi
💰 Free entry
👉 Exhibition details

These are easy add-ons if you want to fill gaps without committing to a full evening.

Step into Hawkins and become part of a brand-new Stranger Things adventure on Yas Island. Journey through Hawkins Lab alongside familiar faces, then explore immersive 80s-themed sets, food, merch, photo ops, and live performers.

📅 Dates: Thu-Sun Every Week
📍 Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: From AED 85+
👉 Get tickets

Step into the magical universe of Studio Ghibli in Abu Dhabi with an immersive exhibition bringing iconic scenes from 10 beloved films to life. Wander through Totoro’s forest, experience the Spirited Away sea railway, and explore beautifully hand-crafted sets created by Japanese artists - complete with photo moments, behind-the-scenes insights, and reflective activities that capture Ghibli’s gentle, imaginative spirit.

📅 Dates: Selected evenings
📍 Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
💰 Cost: From AED 125+
👉 Book now

A winter classic ballet featuring classical choreography, full orchestration, and festive staging. One of Dubai’s most reliable cultural bookings of the season, suitable for families and first-time ballet-goers.

📅 Dates: Fri, 09 Jan – Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Location: Zabeel Theatre, Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 159+
👉 Book tickets

A destination-style electronic music event set in the desert, focusing on melodic techno, long DJ sets, and immersive lighting. Designed for music-first audiences rather than casual clubbing.

📅 Date: Fri, 09 Jan
📍 Location: Terra Solis Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 200+
👉 Get tickets

A full-scale arena concert featuring chart-topping hits, high-energy visuals, and a fully engaged crowd. One of the biggest live music bookings of the weekend.

📅 Date: Sun, 11 Jan
📍 Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
💰 Cost: From AED 195+
👉 View concert details

A large-scale drone and light show staged as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival, featuring synchronised aerial visuals and music. Free to attend and easy to fit around dinner plans.

📅 Dates: Selected evenings
📍 Location: Various DSF locations, Dubai
💰 Cost: Free
👉 See timings

A popular community running event along Dubai Creek, attracting both competitive runners and casual participants. Spectator-friendly and well organised.

📅 Date: Sun, 11 Jan (early morning)
📍 Location: Dubai Creek
💰 Cost: Registration required
👉 Register

• Daytime: 22–24°C
• Evenings: 13–15°C
• Conditions: Clear skies, low humidity
• Best for: Outdoor concerts, evening walks, waterfront dining

Abu Dhabi’s strength this weekend is range.

You can move from classical ballet to arena concerts, elite sport to family-friendly winter attractions - all without pressure or overcrowding. Pick one anchor plan, layer in something lighter, and let the rest stay optional.

That’s your Abu Dhabi Minute – Friday Edition.

We’ll see you Monday with what’s coming next.

— Matthias